RailWorks companies combined forces on a project to construct the multimodal transportation hub featuring a relocated Target Field Station as a central element. The Interchange/Target Field Station links light rail, commuter rail and bus service and contains a civic space for retailers, an amphitheater and green space.

Working for EE&K and Knutson Construction, RailWorks companies performed track and systems work valued at more than $10 million to complete this design-build project.

RailWorks Track Systems provided project management. Work began with demolition of portions of the existing light rail system near the former Target Field Station. In October 2012, L.K. Comstock National Transit removed the overhead catenary system (OCS), which consisted of 19 poles and 1,836 feet of wire, and wayside signal equipment. Then RailWorks Track Services removed 1,428 feet of track to make way for new construction, which started in July 2013.

During the construction portion of the teams’ work, RailWorks Track Services installed more than 3,000 of new guideway consisting of direct fixation and ballasted track. They also installed a pair of No. 6 single turnouts and a No. 6 crossover. Track work was completed in January 2014.

L.K. Comstock National Transit started work in October 2013 to install and then test 4,108 feet of new OCS and signal system, which included all wayside signal equipment and two signal houses. At the same time, HSQ Technology was designing and testing the communication system, which included communication for the new Target Field Station platform, telephone system, public address system and closed-circuit television system. L.K. Comstock National Transit installed the communication system.

Unique Features

The team worked through Minneapolis’ coldest winter on record, including 66 days of subzero weather. Crews stepped up safety awareness and practices to prevent frostbite.